At yesterday’s press conference of the Covid 19 Task Force, Attorney General Fainuulelei Ala’ilima-Utu stressed that regulations now in place under the emergency declaration for Covid are designed for the protection of the territory.
The main message promoted at the press conference by Task Force Chairman Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Alo, doctors and the Attorney General was to get vaccinated so that if the virus gets to the territory, everyone will be protected.
The LBJ Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Iotamo Saleapaga urged that those saying they don’t need the vaccine (that God will protect them) should reconsider. He said along with faith in God, residents should also act for the protection of themselves and others.
“Faith without works is not pleasing to God,” he said.
Attorney General Ala’ilima Utu said the vaccine was a Godly gift and people should take advantage of it because its the only protection from the deadly virus.
Those ineligible for the CVOVID-19 vaccine are those under 12, pregnant and nursing mothers and those with chronic diseases.
Attorney General Ala’ilima-Utu says the regulations for Covid-19 tests, quarantine period and proof of vaccination are based on recommendations of medical personnel.
From the time that borders were closed, all entry permits were suspended. However, in the latest COVID-18 declaration there’s an exception for entry permits for guest workers for the cannery and for workers at a call center.
Lt. Governor Talauega said the cannery has requested 200 workers to help with a labor shortage. ASG has given authorization for the guest worker program to be used to recruit workers from Samoa to fill this need.
According to the Task Force’s schedule, inter-Samoa flights are to reopen in mid July.
Talauega said only American Samoans, and those authorized by the government to enter, will be allowed to travel on the flights. He said health authorities are still assessing entry requirements to ensure that no one with the COVID-19 virus enters.
